Green Belt victory for people-power brickworks protest

8:31am Wednesday 14th May 2008

By Carol Emmas

GREEN Belt protestors are celebrating after an application to extend the life of a former brickworks turned to dust.

Councillors have agreed unanimously to refuse planning permission for the site in Moreton to lengthen the existing operation for a further two years.

The operation, which used the land in Lingham Lane for the crushing of construction and demolition waste, was originally granted a five-year licence in 2003.

But a new planning application made by the owners of the company, which is listed as being called "The Former Moreton Brickworks", requested a two-year extension - meaning the original plan to restore the site back to Green Belt land would have been delayed until 2011.

Moreton councillor Chris Blakeley, who had been campaigning against the extension, said: "Since the operation began people virtually have been prisoners in their own homes.

"Their houses have been filled with brick dust, windows and cars have been covered in it, people have not been able to hang out washing or enjoy their gardens and they have been unable to open their windows because of the constant noise. This project has made residents lives hell."

He said that when the previous application was granted, it was stated by Wirral planning committee that it would last five years.

"But we were told that in 2008 that all work on the site would cease and the land would be restored and made into a continuation of Leasowe Golf Course," he said. It was only the fact that eventually the land would be turned back into Green Belt that helped the residents endure this nightmare.

"I am delighted with the outcome. Wirral's planning committee has gone some way to restoring the faith of local communities who have made it clear that their views, fears and concerns should be taken into account when the council determines any planning applications.

Planning committee member Cllr David Elderton said: "It would be unacceptable to let this continue as what we believe has been a profit-making business.

"This operation should cease now so we can introduce what it was originally meant to be - a greenfield site."

Bradman Road hosueholder Esther McGunigall, who has been campaigning against the proposal, said: "The result is brilliant. I'm so happy. My grandchildren can play in the back garden now and I can begin to grow things again."

It is now up to the council's planning enforcement team to make sure that the site operator complies with the conditions laid down in 2003, which state that restoration must be completed by next March.